Reconfigurable waste treatment system

ABSTRACT

A reconfigurable waste treatment system having one or more waste treatment units such as scrubbers, absorption units, and thermal destruction units, is provided for treating waste supplied to the treatment system from one or more waste sources. The treatment units are selectively connected between an output and an input of a distribution manifold. Each input may be selectively connected to a desired output to achieve a desired configuration of treatment units. A venturi vacuum pump and an inert gas supply are used to assist the evacuation of waste from the waste source. The inert gas can also be used to charge the system as a whole or selected treatment devices, when not in use, to prevent the accumulation of moisture therein. A flow/pressure regulator prevents the system from being overloaded. Holding vessels are provided for collecting waste to allow staged treatment and/or sampling. The system is enclosed in a containment chamber to prevent insufficiently treated waste from escaping into the environment. The chamber is provided with airtight hatches for entry and with a vent stack to exhaust sufficiently treated waste to the exterior of the chamber. The system may be operated remotely and may be placed on a transporter to provide mobile capability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of waste treatmentand more particularly, to a reconfigurable treatment system,particularly useful with a cylinder rupture vessel or other wastecontaining vessels.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Hazardous waste can originate from a variety of sources and cantake on numerous forms. Facilities that generate or collect waste fromvarious sources can accumulate waste with widely-rangingcharacteristics. Typically, the waste is managed at the storage oraccumulation point. This requirement, in view of the diversity of wastecharacteristics, presents problems in the effective stabilization,recontainerization, and treatment of the waste. Problems areparticularly acute at abandoned waste sites where the nature of thewaste may be unknown.

[0005] Many systems have been developed for treating hazardous waste,such that the byproducts after treatment are suitable for being returnedto the environment or are otherwise safe for alternate methods ofrecontainerization or disposal. One common problem confronted intreating hazardous waste is that it is often enclosed in a container.

[0006] Devices for safely gaining access to the contents of containersenclosing potentially hazardous materials have been developed. Examplesof such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,690,180 (Reissue33,797), 4,944,333, and 5,186,219, all assigned to Earth ResourcesCorporation. These devices are commonly referred to as cylinder rupturedevices or CRVs. Once the contents of the cylinder or other containerare accessed, they typically must be treated and/or recontainerized.Commonly, treatment is accomplished by transferring the contents to atreatment system for neutralization, dilution, thermal destruction, orother treatment depending on the nature of the contents. Such treatmentprocedures, in general, are well-known.

[0007] Systems have been developed for the treatment of specifichazardous waste streams. These systems are typically designed to alloweffective management of specific materials and packaging schemes. Someconventional treatment systems have used a combination of scrubbers,adsorbents, burners, or other devices for treating waste. Use of theseindividual treatment units is generally known in the art. However, priorwaste treatment systems which use a combination of these individualtreatment units suffer various drawbacks. For example, for safetyreasons, the treatment units are typically rigidly connected.Consequently, the path of waste through the units of the treatmentsystem is normally fixed. This can result in inefficient andunnecessarily costly treatment of waste by requiring the waste to passthrough all of the units in the system even though treatment by someunits is not necessary for some applications. Additionally, the rigidconnections make it difficult to change the order of the treatmentunits. Conventional treatment systems, therefore, fail to provideflexibility in adapting to different desired treatment configurations.

[0008] Previous waste treatment systems have typically been designed tomeet various criteria of treatment efficiency. Permits may be obtainedfrom regulatory agencies which allow discharge of waste within definedallowable limits. When used for a known, specific waste stream at afixed location, the permits allow use of conventional treatment systemswith known efficiencies. Typically, however, these systems are notadaptable to significant variations in waste characteristics. A changein waste parameters may cause the efficiency of the system to fall belowpermitted levels.

[0009] Regulatory agencies are generally reluctant to permit anydischarge of waste in some areas, particularly where treatmentefficiencies and discharge characteristics are not well-defined.Permitting agencies may prohibit any discharge from a treatment systemuntil the discharge is characterized and shown to be within allowablestandards.

[0010] Conventional waste treatment systems typically do not havecontainment devices necessary to increase the overall safety of thesystem. In a conventional system, if a component of the system fails,the waste is likely to escape into the surrounding environment.Especially with hazardous waste, this situation is undesirable.

[0011] A further problem with conventional waste treatment systems isthat the system is typically designed for a fixed location and are notpractically adaptable to the treatment of waste having widely varyingcharacteristics depending on the particular site. Treatment systems arecommonly designed with a large capacity for specific treatment needs.Once the treatment needs no longer exist, the system is typicallydismantled. If the components are to be used in a system at another sitethey typically have to be transported and reassembled at the newlocation.

[0012] Also, while the use of burners, per se, in conjunction with wastetreatment systems is well known, there are some problems with burnerswhich are normally used. Typical burners rely on large quantities of airto provide sufficient oxygen for the thermal oxidizing and/or pyrolyzingprocess. Among other problems, this often causes the pressure within thesystem to rise above acceptable or desirable levels. Another problemthat often results from using conventional burners is that undesirablyhigh levels of exhaust often have to be contained within the system.

[0013] These specific problems are noted for example purposes only. Itwill be appreciated that there are other problems with the variousconventional waste treatment systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to overcome these andother drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide aconveniently reconfigurable waste treatment system which enables wasteto be directed to any combination of a plurality of treatment devices inany desired order. Additionally, the waste may, if desired, may beselectively recirculated through the system until a desired sufficiencyof treatment is attained.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide anovel scrubbing unit, burner, and venturi vacuum mechanism for use in awaste treatment system.

[0017] To accomplish various ones of these and other objects of thepresent invention, according to one embodiment, a waste treatment systemis provided with a distribution mechanism which may comprise a manifold.The distribution mechanism preferably comprises a plurality of inputsand a plurality of outputs and is designed for receiving a waste productfrom a waste source and for selectively distributing the waste productto and from a plurality of treatment devices connected between theinputs and outputs of the distribution mechanism. Preferably, eachtreatment unit has an inlet and an outlet. Each outlet of a treatmentunit is rigidly connected to an input of the distribution mechanism andeach output of the distribution mechanism is rigidly connected to aninlet of a treatment unit. Within the distribution mechanism, a selectedinput may be connected to a selected output via a flexible connection,for example, a flexible stainless steel hose. Due to the high cost offlexible tubing, e.g., flexible stainless steel hose, which can safelybe used in hazardous waste environments, this system helps minimize theneed for relatively high-cost piping, yet permits relatively quick andeasy reconfiguration of the order and/or components of the treatmentsystem. The treatment units may comprise one or more of various unitsincluding scrubbing units, absorption units, thermal destruction units,and other desired treatment units. The waste treatment system maycomprise any or all of these devices in any desired combination.

[0018] The flow path of the waste may be determined by either manuallyor remotely manipulating the connections of the distribution mechanism.The waste treatment system may be remotely monitored and operated.

[0019] The present invention can be used in conjunction with a mechanismfor releasing the contents of a container within a containedenvironment. Such a mechanism might be used, for example, to puncture agas cylinder within a contained environment. The gas may then be routedto the distribution mechanism. The waste product may be introduced intothe waste treatment system from other sources including, but not limitedto, a direct connection with a gas cylinder.

[0020] The waste treatment system may be made mobile by placing theentire system, or a part thereof, on or within a transportation device.The system is thereby made mobile and can be quickly and easily movedbetween waste treatment sites.

[0021] Treated and untreated waste may be collected by a receivingsystem. The waste product may be recycled through other components ofthe system before or after it has been collected in the receiving unit.

[0022] Further objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be understood from the detailed description of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to theappropriate figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a waste treatment systemaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 2A-2B depict a thermal destruction unit according to oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front elevation of theburner unit. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the thermaldestruction unit taken along line A-A of FIG. 2A.

[0025]FIG. 3 is perspective view of a waste treatment system accordingto a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 4 depicts a waste source for supplying waste to be treated bythe waste treatment system of FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a typical scrubber unit used in thetreatment system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, a waste treatment system is providedaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. The waste treatmentsystem, generally indicted by reference numeral 1, is preferablyenclosed within a containment enclosure 5. For convenience, in FIG. 1,treatment system 1 is shown enclosed by a dotted line. Treatment system1 preferably includes a distribution manifold 2 having a plurality ofinputs 50 and a plurality of outputs 60, each of which is connected toone of a plurality of treatment units (e.g. 10, 11, 12, 20, 30, 31). Oneor more waste sources 14 is connected to the treatment system 1 (asfurther discussed below). Additionally, a waste introduction system 80and a waste receiving system 70 may also be connected to the treatmentsystem 1. Preferably, the treatment units, waste source(s), wasteintroduction system, and receiving system are located within thecontainment enclosure 5, but, in some instances, one or more of theunits, sources, and/or systems may be externally located. Enclosure 5 ispreferably airtight and preferably comprises steel plating of at least{fraction (1/4″)} thickness or other suitable material. Containmentenclosure 5 is preferably provided with an access door (not shown inFIG. 1), which should be capable of selectively maintaining theenclosure in an airtight state. For example, the access door may besimilar to the hatches found on various ocean-going vessels.

[0029] Preferably, the inputs 50 and outputs 60 each comprise a rigidconnector, for example, a stainless steel pipe. These rigid connectorsare preferably welded or otherwise fixedly connected at one end to anoutlet or inlet of a treatment unit or other device as described below.The other end of each rigid connector preferably extends to or into thedistribution manifold 2. Within distribution manifold 2, each of therigid input connectors may be selectively connected to a desired one ofthe rigid output connectors. Preferably, the connection is made via aflexible connector 51, which is made of a suitable flexible material,for example, a piece of flexible stainless steel hose. Alternately, eachinput 50 and output 60 may have a flexible connector 51 attached to itsrespective rigid connector. Selective connections between desired inputs50 and outputs 60 can then be made be connecting the appropriateflexible connectors 51. Preferably, one or more of the inputs 50 isconnected to one or more waste sources 14 through waste introductionsystem 80 and to receiving system 70. One or more of outputs 60 is alsopreferably connected to receiving system 70.

[0030] A typical connection using a flexible connector 51 is shown inFIG. 1. As shown, an input 50 is connected to outlet 12 b of scrubberunit 12. Flexible connector 51 connects input 50 to an output 60, whichis shown connected to inlet 30 a of absorption unit 30. Dotted linesshow that input 50 can be connected to any output 60. This arrangementis for illustration purposes only and the scope of the present inventionis not so limited.

[0031] Enclosure 5 may be provided with a vent stack 4 selectivelyenables the distribution manifold 2 to be in communication with theexterior of enclosure 5. Vent stack 4 preferably comprises 1″ diameterstainless steel pipe and a pipe valve 7 which is preferably a 1″pneumatically-actuated, ball-type valve of stainless steel and Teflon™construction. However, other suitable material may be used for the pipeand other suitable valve assemblies may be used.

[0032] A purge source 15 is preferably provided for charging treatmentsystem 1 with an inert gas. Preferably the inert gas is argon ornitrogen, but any inert gas may be used. Purge source 15 is connected tomanifold 2, and thus to the various components of treatment system 1,through suitable pipes and fittings. When treatment system 1 is nottreating a waste product, purge source 15 preferably maintains treatmentsystem 1 under an ambient atmosphere of inert gas, thereby preventingatmospheric moisture from entering the system. When treatment system 1is treating a waste product, purge source 15 is used as required topreferably maintain the non-selected treatment devices under an ambientatmosphere of inert gas. Ideally, all pipes, valves, and othercomponents of treatment system 1 not incorporated into a givenconfiguration will also be maintained under an ambient atmosphere ofinert gas. As described below in greater detail, purge source 15 mayalso be used to assist in withdrawing the waste from source 14.

[0033] An in-line pressure/flow regulator 16 may be provided forregulating the flow of hazardous gas or waste from waste source 14 intosystem 1. An inlet 16 a of regulator 16 is preferably in communicationwith waste source 14 through suitable pipes, fittings, and valves.Outlet 16 b of regulator 16 connects regulator 16 with manifold 2through suitable pipes and fittings.

[0034] A pump 8, preferably a venturi vacuum pump, may be provided forassisting in evacuating waste from waste source 14 and injecting thewaste into system 1. Pump 8 has an inlet 8 a and an outlet 8 b and ispreferably in communication with manifold 2 through suitable pipes,fittings, and valves. Venturi vacuum pumps, per se, are well-known.

[0035] Preferably, the outlet 8 b of pump 8 is connected to one or morereceiving vessels 40, each having an inlet/outlet 40 a. Treatment system1 is preferably connected to two receiving vessels 40, which receivetreated and/or untreated waste, but any number of vessels, or novessels, may be used. Each receiving vessel may be in selectivecommunication with a sample port 9. Sample port 9 preferably has a valveand pressure gauge arrangement which allows a system operator to examinethe waste product at any stage of treatment. Among other advantages,holding vessels 40 allow untreated, treated or partially treated wasteto be collected, sampled and analyzed to determine whether furthertreatment is needed and, if needed, which type of treatment is desired.Treatment system 1 can thereby treat a waste product in stages, ifdesired. Further, any desired treatment efficiency may be obtained.

[0036] The treatment units may comprise a plurality of scrubber units10, 11, 12 that are provided for scrubbing the waste product, e.g.hazardous gas. Scrubbing units generally are well-known in the art.Preferably, the scrubber units are each charged with a reagent ortreating solution for neutralizing or otherwise treating the hazardousgas or other waste. In the arrangement provided in FIG. 1, the scrubbersmay be charged with any of a number of solutions. For example, scrubber10 may be charged with an alkaline or caustic solution, scrubber 11 mybe charged with an acid reagent or solution, and scrubber 12 may becharged with an oxidizing solution. If the system has multiple scrubbingunits, the treating solutions in any two of the scrubbing unit(s) may bethe same or different. Venturi eductors may be utilized to mix the wasteproduct with the treating solution. Scrubbers 10, 11, 12, are preferablydesigned to work over a range of pressures including relatively highpressures (e.g. on the order of 150 psig) and should be able to treatconcentrations of waste gas up to 100%. Moreover, scrubbers 10, 11, 12preferably comprise inlets 1Oa, 11 a, 12 a, respectively, near thebottom thereof. This placement of the inlet preferably allows the wastegas to be received by the scrubber underneath the reagent. Additionally,scrubber 10, 11, 12 are provided with outlets 10 b, 11 b, 12 b,respectively, preferably located near the top of the scrubber units.

[0037] Each scrubber 10, 11, 12 preferably incorporates a liquid venturi(FIG. 5) capable of producing a vacuum on the order of 30 inches Hgabsolute at the scrubber inlet 10 a, 11 a, 12 a. The venturi allows thewaste material to be introduced at or near the bottom of the scrubber.The venturi preferably facilitates mixing of the waste material with thereagent or treating solution of the scrubber. By offsetting the venturifrom the center of the scrubber, a swirling motion of the waste/reagentmixture is preferably obtained, thereby increasing residence time andefficiency of treatment.

[0038] Referring also to FIG. 5, for explanation purpose only, a typicalscrubber 100 for use in the present invention is illustrated. Scrubber100 has a housing 101 with an inlet 102 and an outlet 103, whichcorrespond, for example, to inlet and outlet 10 a, 10 b of FIG. 1.Packing 107 is provided within housing 101 and comprises a plurality ofbaffle plates 108 and poul rings 116. A portion of the interior ofhousing 101 is filled with a reagent or treating solution, for example,reagent 106. Preferably, an upper level 109 of reagent 106 is at orbelow an upper level 112 of packing 107. Gauge 110 is provided incommunication with the interior of housing 101 to assist in determiningand maintaining the level of reagent within housing 101. A venturi 104is positioned in a lower region of the interior of housing 101 belowpacking 107. Venturi 104 is in communication with a pump 105 through aninlet/outlet 113 and coupling portion 117. More than one pump togetherwith more than one venturi may be used with each scrubber. Also, venturi104 may be positioned partially or entirely within coupling portion 117.This may be desirable to, among other things, facilitate access toventuri 104. Venturi 104 is preferably of Teflon™ construction, butother materials may be used.

[0039] In operation, reagent 106 acts as the motive fluid for venturi104, which mixes reagent 106 with waste introduced into scrubber 100through inlet 102. Pump 105 draws reagent 106 through inlet/outlet 113and forces reagent 106 through venturi 104. Arrows are provided in FIG.5 to illustrate the flow path of reagent 106, the waste, and thewaste/reagent mixture. As waste is introduced into the lower region ofthe interior of scrubber 100 through inlet 102, the vacuum created byventuri 104 draws the waste into a mixing area 114 where it is mixedwith reagent 106. The waste/reagent mixture is then expelled fromventuri 104 through outlet 115. Because venturi 104 is offset from thecenter of housing 101, a swirling motion is created and thewaste/reagent mixture is further mixed, thereby allowing the waste toreact with the reagent.

[0040] The waste then travels toward packing 107 where it encountersbaffle plates 108, which, among other functions, break up large bubblesin the waste/reagent mixture to ensure that any remaining liquidentrained in the waste stream is removed. Poul rings 116 cooperate withbaffle plates 108 to provide demisting of the waste stream. Waste exitsthe scrubber through outlet 103 and is directed to other components ofsystem 1, for example, distribution manifold 2. Additionally, a demister111 may be provided to prevent carryover of reagent 106 to othercomponents of system 1, for example, when inert gas is allowed to travelthrough scrubber 100.

[0041] The remaining operation of the scrubber is well-known in the artand is therefore omitted from this description of the present invention.Referring again to FIG. 1, waste exits scrubbers 10, 11, 12 at outlets10 b, 11 b, 12 b, respectively.

[0042] The preferred arrangement of scrubbers is as described above.However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that differentconfigurations with varying numbers and types of scrubbers may beeffectively used in accordance with the embodiments of the presentinvention. Further, one will understand that the scrubbers may beomitted from system 1 entirely, if desired. Among other factors, theconfiguration selected will be determined by the type of waste productbeing treated.

[0043] A thermal destruction unit 20 is provided for oxidizing and/orpyrolyzing waste gas routed to unit 20 from manifold 2. Preferably, unit20 is enclosed within enclosure 5. Thermal destruction units aregenerally well-known in the art. For convenience, many of the knowndetails of unit 20 are omitted from this description. As shown in FIG.2A, unit 20 has a combustion chamber 201, which is supplied with propanefrom propane fuel source 209 and oxygen from oxygen source 215. Wastegas is introduced into chamber 201 through inlet 216 and can beregulated by flow regulator 210 to provide a uniform mixture of propane,oxygen, and waste gas. Inlet 216 is preferably connected to an output 60of manifold 2 (not shown in FIG. 2A), as described above.

[0044] The gases enter a mixing manifold 214 and are ignited by anelectronic ignition system 212 (FIG. 2B). Surfaces in the chamber 201,which are exposed to high temperatures, are cooled by a fluid that iscirculated through a first heat exchanger 204 and a cooling jacket 218,which surrounds chamber 201. Exhaust gases from chamber 201 are cooledin a second heat exchanger 202 and are vented through outlet 217 todistribution manifold 2 (not shown in FIG. 2A). A reservoir 203 isprovided to facilitate addition of coolant to the system.

[0045] System safety features include a flame detector 213 coupled withtwo solenoid valves 207, 208 for controlling the flow of propane fueland waste gas, respectively. An oxygen sensor 211 provides feedback to asensor relay 206, which operates an oxygen flow controller 205. Thevarious sensing and controlling mechanisms provide optimum combustionconditions. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that optimumcombustion conditions depend on several factors including, but notlimited to, the chemical characteristics of the waste. Also, an opticalport 230 may be provided for viewing an interior of chamber 201. Port230 may house a flame detector (not shown) therein which is operativelycommunicated with chamber 230.

[0046] Unit 20 preferably minimizes the volume of gas used in theburning process by utilizing pure oxygen instead of air. Among otheradvantages, the minimization of gas used in the burning processpreferably assists in maintaining acceptable pressure levels withinsystem 1. Preferably, the controls described above provide astoichiometric mixture of waste gas and oxygen to mixing manifold 214.Because the mixture of waste gas and oxygen is continuously monitoredand maintained at an optimal level, treatment efficiency is optimized.Further, providing an optimal mixture minimizes the exhaust which iscontained within system 1. Preferably, the exhaust produced by unit 20consists of carbon dioxide or monoxide and water and should, therefore,be routed to scrubber unit 10, i.e., the caustic scrubber.

[0047] Although the preferred thermal destruction unit utilizes pureoxygen for the burning process, other units, including an air burningunit, may be employed. Further, in another embodiment of the presentinvention, unit 20 may be replaced by a unit (not shown), which usesplasma arc technology or a catalyst to achieve the required thermaldestruction without an open flame.

[0048] Further, a pyrolysis unit, which is generally well-known, may beincorporated into the thermal destruction unit. The pyrolysis unitpreferably has a {fraction (1/2″)} stainless steel process line 250,which allows waste to be directly routed through chamber 201 withoutmixing with propane and oxygen. Preferably, waste travelling throughline 250 is contained within line 250 as the waste passes throughchamber 201. Thereby, the waste in line 250 is indirectly subjected toheat in chamber 201 and is thus thermally decomposed. The waste thenexits through outlet 217 to distribution manifold 2. Service port 251 isprovided to allow access to a portion of line 250 which passes throughchamber 201.

[0049] A plurality of absorption units 30, 31 are provided withinenclosure 5 to further treat the waste product. Absorption units arewell-known devices for treating waste products such as hazardous gas.Preferably, one absorption unit 30 contains activated carbon. Unit 31preferably comprises a molecular sieve. Among other advantages, units30, 31 preferably allow a gaseous waste product to be converted to asolid waste product which may be disposed by any suitable disposalmethod.

[0050] A typical pipe 13 is shown in FIG. 1 for connecting manifold 2and scrubber 10. Pipe 13 is typical of the pipes used throughout system1 for connecting the various components. Pipe 13 is preferably ofstainless steel construction and rated for high-pressure use, e.g., onthe order of 2000 psig. Pipe 13 preferably has a diameter on the orderof about 1″. Pipe 13 is preferably of uniform size throughout system 1.However, the size may vary. Any connections between pipe 13 and otherpipes, treatment devices, valves, or other components, should beachieved by use of suitable joints rated for high pressure use, e.g., onthe order of 2000 psig.

[0051] A typical valve 7 is shown in FIG. 1 disposed on vent stack 4 andis typical of the valves used throughout system 1. As described above inconnection with vent stack 4, valve 7 is preferably a 1″pneumatically-actuated, ball-type valve of stainless steel and Teflon™construction rated for high-pressure use, e.g., up to 2000 psig. It willbe understood that the size of valve 7 will depend upon the size of pipe13 selected for treatment system 1. Therefore, valve 7 may vary in size.Pipes 13, valves 7, and the remaining components of treatment system 1should be connected so as to avoid low points which can trap liquidwaste products.

[0052] The details of operation of treatment system 1 will now bediscussed. Waste is introduced into treatment system 1 from one or morewaste sources 14. Waste source 14 may comprise a cylinder rupture vessel(CRV) 140 as depicted in FIG. 4. CRV 140 has a housing 141 with achamber 142 therein. A waste container (not shown), e.g. a hazardous gastank, is ruptured within chamber 142 by a rupturing mechanism (also notshown). CRV 140 has an outlet 143 which is preferably connected tosystem 1. Although CRV 140 comprises the preferred waste source 14 forsystem 1, source 14 may be other sources of waste including, but notlimited to, a hazardous gas cylinder itself, a direct connection to aprocess pipe, or other source. Moreover, more than one waste source maybe connected to system 1.

[0053] Preferably, the waste flows from source 14, through wasteintroduction system 80, and into an input 50 of manifold 2. System 80has a flow/pressure regulator 16 having inlet and outlet 16 a, 16 b, apurge source 15 having outlet 15 a, and a mechanical vacuum unit 32having inlet and outlet 32 a, 32 b. The waste flows through regulator16, which, among other functions, preferably prevents system 1 frombeing overloaded. Waste source 14 may contain a waste product, e.g.hazardous gas, under pressure. Therefore, as waste is allowed intotreatment system 1, the pressure at source 14 preferably decreases.Vacuum unit 32 is preferably capable of creating a vacuum of greaterthan 31 inches Hg absolute. Unit 32 is operable to evacuate source 14 ofwaste. Once the pressure at source 14 reaches a near-atmospheric level,pump 8 is operable to evacuate source 14 of remaining waste containedtherein. Purge source 15 operates to introduce an inert gas into source14. Preferably, the inert gas acts to “rinse” any remaining wasteproduct from source 14. This procedure may be repeated, as desired, tomore thoroughly evacuate the waste from source 14.

[0054] The waste product is preferably directed to an input of manifold2 through a pipe 13 and then to a predetermined output 60 aselectively-established connection using a flexible connector 51 asdescribed above. Preferably, the waste is then routed to one or moretreatment units depending on how the system is configured.

[0055] For example, the waste may pass from an output 60 to inlet 20 aof thermal destruction unit 20, then from outlet 20 b of unit 20 backthrough an input 50 of manifold 2. The waste may then pass through aflexible connector 51 to another output 60, which may be connected toinlet 10 a of caustic scrubber 10. Then, the waste may be routed fromoutlet 10 b to another input 50, which is, in turn, connected viaanother flexible connector 51 to another output 60. This output 60 maybe connected to inlet 30 a of absorption unit 30. Thereafter, the wasteproduct, if sufficiently treated may be vented or recontainerized foroff-site disposal or recycling.

[0056] In this example the waste product would flow through manifold 2,through thermal destruction unit 20, through manifold 2, throughscrubber 10, through manifold 2, and into absorption unit 30. Thisexample is provided for illustration purposes only, however, and shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0057] According to a feature of this embodiment, at any point in theflow path of the waste product, the waste may be routed through manifold2 to receiving system 70. Preferably, the waste would be directed to oneof the holding vessels 40 (optimally with the assistance of pump 8) toenable a system operator to analyze a sample of the waste via sampleport 9.

[0058] If analysis of the waste indicates that predetermined or desiredlevels of treatment have be achieved, the waste may be vented orretained in vessel 40. Further, vessel 40 (or the waste) may then beremoved and properly disposed of.

[0059] Alternately, if the analysis of the waste product dictates, thewaste may be directed from vessel 40 to manifold 2 and exhausted to theexterior of enclosure 5 through vent stack 4. Moreover, it will beunderstood that the selective routing capability provided by manifold 2would allow the waste to be exhausted to the exterior of enclosure 5through vent stack 4 at any point during the treatment.

[0060] In another scenario, the analysis may dictate that the waste invessel 40 has not been sufficiently treated. Thus, the waste may berouted back to manifold 2 to be recycled through system 1. According tothis feature, if the analysis indicates that a different configurationof treatment devices is necessary, i.e., a different flow path, theconnections, provided by flexible connectors 51, between inputs andoutputs 50, 60 of manifold 2 may be rearranged to provide the desiredconfiguration.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, the waste treatment system 1 described maybe mobile by placing enclosure 5 on a suitable transportation deviceincluding, but not limited to, a conventional truck-trailer rig. Trailer18 of this type of rig is depicted in FIG. 3 with the various elementsof system 1 contained therein. Trailer 18 itself may be constructed toserve as enclosure 5.

[0062] The embodiments described above may also have remote controlcapabilities. As best seen in FIG. 3, according to this feature, aremote room 19 is preferably located within the trailer 18. Remote room19 is preferably exterior to, and may be adjacent to, airtight enclosure5. Room 18 is preferably provided with a control panel 191 which may becapable of selectively and remotely connecting inputs and outputs 50, 60of distribution manifold 2. These connections may be achieved by anyappropriate method, such as providing flexible connectors 51 withquick-disconnect-type fittings and providing hydraulic,electronically-actuated controls to receive electronic signals fromcontrol panel 191. These signals would preferably cause the hydrauliccontrols to connect and disconnect the fittings of connectors 51 asdesired. Alternately, connectors 51 could all be pre-connected through asystem of electronically-actuated valves controlled by remote panel 191.In this embodiment, the valves could be opened or closed in theappropriate sequence to achieve the desired flow path.

[0063] According to another feature of the present invention, remoteroom 19 is preferably provided with remote viewing devices, such asclosed-circuit monitors 193 linked to remote cameras 194 which arepreferably positioned within enclosure 5. This feature allows remoteviewing of the interior of enclosure 5 to provide added safety to theoperation of system 1. Further, remote room 19 preferably houses asampling panel 195, which is operatively linked to a remote valveactuation mechanism 196 positioned within enclosure 5. Mechanism 196preferably permits a waste cylinder to be remotely sampled andidentified. Mechanism 196 may also be used to provide remote actuationof cylinder valves when the contents of the waste cylinders are believedto be unstable or explosive or otherwise dangerous.

[0064] In another embodiment of the remote feature of system 1, thecomponents of remote room 19 may be positioned apart from trailer 18.According to this embodiment, T.V.s 193, sampling panel 195, and controlpanel 191 are preferably linked to cameras 194, device 196, and manifold2, respectively by a conventional umbilical cord and relay-typearrangement (not shown).

[0065] Although several preferred embodiments of the present inventionhave been described in detail herein, the invention is not limitedhereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the artthat various modifications can be made without materially departing fromthe novel and advantageous teachings of the present invention.Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are provided by way ofexample only. It is to be understood that the scope of the presentinvention is not to be limited thereby, but is to be determined by theclaims which follow.

We claim:
 1. A waste treatment system comprising: a distributionmanifold comprising a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs; aplurality of waste treatment units, each having an inlet rigidlyconnected to at least one of said plurality of outputs of saiddistribution manifold and an outlet rigidly connected to at least one ofsaid plurality of inlets of said distribution manifold; at least onewaste source connected to at least one of said plurality of inputs ofsaid distribution manifold; and wherein said distribution manifoldfurther comprises a plurality of flexible connectors, each of which canconnect a selected one of said plurality of inputs of said distributionmanifold to a selected one of said plurality of outputs of saiddistribution manifold to thereby enable the configuration of wastetreatment units connected to said distribution manifold to be easilychanged.
 2. The waste treatment system of claim 1, wherein said wastesource comprises a cylinder rupture vessel capable of gaining access tocontainers comprising waste which is to be treated.
 3. The wastetreatment system of claim 1 further comprising a receiving systemconnected to at least one of said plurality of outputs of saiddistribution manifold.
 4. The waste treatment system of claim 1, whereinsaid plurality of waste treatment units comprises at least one thermaldestruction unit comprising a chamber having an chamber inlet and achamber outlet, and wherein a mixture of waste, oxygen, and propane isthermally destroyed within said chamber.
 5. The waste treatment systemof claim 1, wherein said plurality of waste treatment units comprises atleast one thermal destruction unit comprising a chamber having anchamber inlet and a chamber outlet, and wherein waste is thermallydecomposed within said chamber.
 6. The waste treatment system of claim1, wherein said plurality of waste treatment units comprises at leastone scrubber unit comprising a housing, a venturi having an outletdisposed within said housing, and a pump in communication with saidhousing and operatively coupled to said venturi, wherein said venturimixes a treating solution and a waste.
 7. The waste treatment system ofclaim 6, wherein said at least one scrubber unit further comprises aplurality of baffles positioned between said inlet and said outlet. 8.The waste treatment system of claim 7, wherein said at least onescrubber unit further comprises a demister positioned between saidplurality of baffles and said outlet.
 9. The waste treatment system ofclaim 1, wherein said waste treatment units comprise at least one of ascrubber unit, a thermal destruction unit, and an absorption unit. 10.The waste treatment system of claim 1 further comprising a venturivacuum pump connected to at least one of said outputs of saiddistribution manifold.
 11. The waste treatment system of claim 1 furthercomprising a venturi vacuum pump connected to at least one of saidoutputs of said distribution manifold and connected to said at least onewaste source.
 12. A waste treatment system comprising: a distributionmanifold comprising a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs; aplurality of waste treatment units, each having an inlet rigidlyconnected to at least one of said plurality of outputs of saiddistribution manifold and an outlet rigidly connected to at least one ofsaid plurality of inputs of said distribution manifold; at least onewaste source connected to at least one of said plurality of inputs ofsaid distribution manifold; wherein said distribution manifold furthercomprises a plurality of flexible connectors, each of which can connecta selected one of said plurality of inputs of said distribution manifoldto a selected one of said plurality of outputs of said distributionmanifold to thereby enable the configuration of waste treatment unitsconnected to said distribution manifold to be easily changed; andsampling means operatively connected to at least one of said at leastone waste source and said distribution manifold for sampling untreated,partially treated, or treated waste.
 13. A waste treatment systemcomprising: a distribution manifold comprising a plurality of inputs anda plurality of outputs; a plurality of waste treatment units, eachhaving an inlet rigidly connected to at least one of said plurality ofoutputs of said distribution manifold and an outlet rigidly connected toat least one of said plurality of inputs of said distribution manifold;at least one waste source connected to at least one of said plurality ofinputs of said distribution manifold; wherein said distribution manifoldfurther comprises a plurality of flexible connectors, each of which canconnect a selected one of said plurality of inputs of said distributionmanifold to a selected one of said plurality of outputs of saiddistribution manifold to thereby enable the configuration of wastetreatment units connected to said distribution manifold to be easilychanged; and at least one holding vessel connected to said distributionmanifold capable of holding untreated, partially treated, or treatedwaste received from said at least one waste source.
 14. A wastetreatment system comprising: a distribution manifold comprising aplurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs; a plurality of wastetreatment units, each having an inlet rigidly connected to at least oneof said plurality of outputs of said distribution manifold and an outletrigidly connected to at least one of said plurality of inputs of saiddistribution manifold; at least one waste source connected to at leastone of said plurality of inputs of said distribution manifold; whereinsaid distribution manifold further comprises a plurality of flexibleconnectors, each of which can connect a selected one of said pluralityof inputs of said distribution manifold to a selected one of saidplurality of outputs of said distribution manifold to thereby enable theconfiguration of waste treatment units connected to said distributionmanifold to be easily changed; and wherein each inlet of each treatmentunit is fixedly connected to at least one of said plurality of outputsof said distribution manifold by rigid stainless steel pipe which andsaid flexible connector comprises flexible stainless steel hose.
 15. Awaste treatment system comprising: a distribution manifold comprising aplurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs; a plurality of wastetreatment units, each having an inlet rigidly connected to at least oneof said plurality of outputs of said distribution manifold and an outletrigidly connected to at least one of said plurality of inputs of saiddistribution manifold; at least one waste source connected to at leastone of said plurality of inputs of said distribution manifold; whereinsaid distribution manifold further comprises a plurality of flexibleconnectors, each of which can connect a selected one of said pluralityof inputs of said distribution manifold to a selected one of saidplurality of outputs of said distribution manifold to thereby enable theconfiguration of waste treatment units connected to said distributionmanifold to be easily changed; and transporting means for transportingsaid distribution manifold and said plurality of waste treatment units.16. A method of treating waste comprising: (a) configuring a wastetreatment system; (b) supplying waste to said waste treatment system;(c) routing said waste through said waste treatment system; (d)reconfiguring said waste treatment system; and (e) recirculating saidwaste through said reconfigured waste treatment system.
 17. A method oftreating waste comprising: (a) configuring a waste treatment system; (b)supplying a first waste to said waste treatment system; (c) routing saidfirst waste through said waste treatment system; (d) reconfiguring saidwaste treatment system; (e) supplying a second waste to said wastetreatment system; and (f) routing said first waste through said wastetreatment system.